In a significant legal development in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, a case has been registered against a sitting Congress MLA following allegations of bribery and intimidation. The legislator, Vinod Gothwal, who represents the Pilibanga constituency, is accused of demanding and accepting a bribe of 60 lakh rupees. The complaint was lodged by Sharda Punia, a former councilor of the Congress party, who alleged that the money was taken in exchange for securing the position of Municipal Chairperson (Palikadhyaksh). The First Information Report (FIR) also names the MLA's Personal Assistant (PA), Mohit Bishnoi, as an accomplice in the matter.
Details of the Bribery Allegations
According to the details provided in the FIR, Sharda Punia claimed that the transaction involving 60 lakh rupees took place in June 2025. The former councilor alleged that Vinod Gothwal had promised to facilitate the appointment for the post of Palikadhyaksh in return for this substantial sum. However, the situation escalated when the promised appointment didn't materialize, and the complainant sought the return of the funds, while the FIR states that when the money was requested back, the MLA responded with threats instead of returning the amount.
The Incident at the Party Meeting
The complaint highlights a specific incident that occurred on July 20, 2026, during a meeting of Congress Mandal workers in Pilibanga. Sharda Punia's son, Surya Prakash, was also present at this gathering, which was attended by various party workers and MLA Vinod Gothwal. Sharda Punia stated that after the meeting concluded, Surya Prakash approached the MLA to ask for the 60 lakh rupees that had been given as a deposit in June 2025. It was at this moment that the MLA allegedly adopted a threatening tone, stating that he wouldn't return the money and challenged them to take whatever action they deemed fit.
Allegations of Intimidation and Abuse
The FIR further details that when Sharda Punia intervened and requested the MLA to listen to their concerns and return the money, both Vinod Gothwal and his PA, Mohit Bishnoi, allegedly behaved aggressively. The complainant alleged that they grabbed her hand and used abusive language. On top of that, Surya Prakash was reportedly threatened with his life, while the MLA is alleged to have reminded Surya Prakash of a previous attack, claiming that while he had escaped then, he would be killed if found alone in the future. The MLA reportedly boasted about his influence over the local police station and threatened to file a counter-case involving caste-based slurs if any legal action was taken regarding the money.
MLA Denies All Charges
In response to these serious allegations, MLA Vinod Gothwal has categorically denied any wrongdoing. He has termed the accusations as completely false and baseless. The legislator pointed out that the complainant had been given a ticket by the party but lost the election, suggesting that the allegations might be a result of political frustration. He maintained that no such transaction of money ever took place. Given the high-profile nature of the case involving a sitting legislator, the investigation has been handed over to the CID-CB (Crime Investigation Department - Crime Branch) to ensure a thorough probe into the matter.